Comparison of Motoric Characteristics in 11-12 Year-Old Primary School Athlete Students (Footballers and Wrestlers)
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: The purpose of this study is to compare and evaluate certain motoric characteristics of primary school athlete students aged 11-12, specifically footballers and wrestlers. Within the scope of the study, motor performance parameters such as flexibility, balance, arm movement speed, standing long jump, sit-ups, 30-meter sprint, bent arm hang, and hand grip strength were measured. The obtained data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the LSD test. There was no significant difference in average height and body weight between the football and wrestler students according to their branch (p>0.05). Significant differences were observed between age groups in terms of height, body weight, and sports age (p<0.001). In comparisons made by gender, significant differences were found in all motoric characteristics except for the 30-meter sprint time (p<0.001). Additionally, analyses according to age groups revealed significant differences in all motoric parameters (p<0.001). Positive and significant correlations were found among parameters such as flexibility, balance, arm movement speed, sit-ups, hand grip strength, and long jump; whereas a negative and statistically insignificant relationship was observed between the 30-meter sprint and long jump (p>0.05). In conclusion, the motoric performances of footballer and wrestler children aged 11-12 vary depending on age and gender. Gender differences particularly affect the development of some motoric characteristics in female students, while a more stable development is observed in males. Considering this in planning training programs will enable the provision of more efficient and effective sports education appropriate to the children’s developmental processes. It is also recommended that similar studies be repeated with larger sample groups in different age ranges and sports branches.
Language: English
Subfield: Developmental and Educational Psychology
Field: Psychology
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7154112629